It's Not Just About Turkey

CARROLLWOOD - The Mayflower docked, the Pilgrims disembarked and the preparations for a long, cold winter began.

Prekindergartners and kindergartners at Independent Day School celebrated Thanksgiving in their traditional way, the "Living Thanksgiving," which is in its ninth year at the private school. Teacher Jean Harrison created the lessons to help the youngest children understand the holiday better.

The re-enactment took place over several days, starting Nov. 9 when children signed a ship's log with a quill pen and boarded the wooden Mayflower on the school campus. They ate dried beef and biscuits on their journey.

Last week, they participated in setting up Plymouth Colony with beds stuffed with pine needles and chores such as planting crops, grinding corn, making butter and washing clothes. On Thursday, they met Squanto, the American Indian who would help them survive.

Courtney Cairns Pastor

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